Have Fun by Yourself
Fly solo with this list of one dozen fun things to do by yourself in Pittsburgh.
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TUNE UP YOUR MUSIC COLLECTION AT JERRY'S RECORDS: If you haven’t fallen in love with records, then you’re either completely behind the times or not behind enough. Either way, Jerry will set you straight. Jerry’s Records is a labyrinth of rooms and hallways walled off with shelving seemingly created because there were just so much vinyl that the only option left was to build up. With nearly 1 million records in stock, Jerry’s was named one of the top record stores in the nation in 2010 by Rolling Stone. It’s your best bet in Pittsburgh for the music you’re looking for … unless you’re looking for it on a CD. 2136 Murray Ave., Squirrel Hill. Info: 412/421-4533, jerrysrecords.com
GEEK OUT AT THE COOL & COZY ARKHAM GIFT SHOPPE: Forget the stereotype of the cranky comic book guy who treats you like a trespasser in his store. Arkham Gift Shoppe owner Jeff Bigley is all about answering questions and catching customers up on the latest storylines from the worlds of heroes and villains. The vibe is friendly, the shelves are stocked with comics and toys and an ever-changing selection of vintage treasures will time-warp you back to grade school. Bonus: Bargain bins are filled with action figures that cost less than $1. And during summer, you may find free hot dogs grilling in the parking lot. 3973 Route 8, Allison Park. Info: 412/486-3140 
More Fun Things You Must Do:
>> Have Fun with Your Sweetheart
>> Have Fun with Your Family
>> Have Fun with Your Friends
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY AT PHOTO ANTIQUITIES: It may not sound like the hippest thing to do, but you’d be surprised how quickly the historical photography collection at Photo Antiquities becomes fascinating. First of all, you don’t have to know anything walking in, which is a plus. Your tour guide will explain daguerreotypes and antique cameras, and then you’re on to Pittsburgh’s own history: the Strip District during the Depression or the construction of Forbes Field. And if you ever need some excitement, just slip in a penny to watch an “artistic figure studie” with April Showers—don’t worry, it was approved by the New York Census. 531 E. Ohio St., North Side. 412/231-7881, photoantiquities.org
MELT YOUR MUSCLES AT PITTSBURGH CENTER FOR COMPLEMENTARY HEALTH & HEALING: Turn off your cellphone. Have a cup of tea. Prepare yourself to leave the world of extensive to-do lists and glaring computers. Each room at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing is a warm sanctuary fragranced with the oils that your masseuse will rub into your too-tense muscles. This is where you can choose your indulgence: hot stones along your spine, red mud on your hands or a honey soak for your toes. Whatever you decide, clear your calendar for this one. All you’ll want to do afterward is drape around the house with a goofy smile and marvel at how wonderful you feel. 1124 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. Info: 412/242-4220, pghhealthandhealing.com
FLOOR IT WITH FORMULA DRIVETECH AT BEAVERUN MOTORSPORTS COMPLEX: Where is it legal to get behind the wheel of a Porsche Boxster and drive as fast as you possibly can? The driving experience provided by Formula DriveTech at Beaverun MotorSports Complex provides the luxury sports cars, the safety gear, professional instruction and at least 15 minutes of track time to make your lead-footed dreams come true. If Porsches don’t get your blood boiling, choose a Formula car instead. Packages start at $499 for the next sessions offered in August by Formula DriveTech. Beaverun Motorsports Complex, 201 Penndale Road, Wampum. Info: 724/535-1000, formuladrivetech.com
This article appears in the April 2011 issue of Pittsburgh Magazine
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